October 23, 2006 -- The German co-chief executive of EADS, Thomas Enders, has welcomed the Russian state's acquisition of a stake in the European aerospace giant.

Russia's state-owned Vneshtorgbank has confirmed it holds a stake of just over 5 percent in EADS, the parent company of Airbus.

In an interview today in the daily "Die Welt," Enders says cooperation with the Russian aerospace industry is of "strategic importance" for EADS.

(AFP)

Russia And Global Energy Security

An oil field in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan (TASS file photo)

ENERGY SECURITY is increasingly moving to the top of the EU's agenda in its dealings the outside world. A recent report identifies the European Union's main energy objectives as not just securing gas and oil deliveries from Russia, but also ensuring that it has reliable alternative sources, including in Central Asia. Nonetheless, EU officials say relations with Russia take center-stage in their thinking....(more)